An explosion caused by fireworks killed more than 100 people at a temple in the southern Indian state of Kerala early Sunday.

Thousands of people had gathered at the temple near the coastal town of Paravur to watch the fireworks, part of a yearly religious celebration. Officials said some of the fireworks fell on a building where a large number of fireworks were being stored, causing explosions and a fire that spread quickly. Many more people were injured as they ran from the fire.

A government official said the temple had not been given permission to hold the fireworks display.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought a special team of doctors to the area to help those who were injured.

In a tweet, Modi called the fire “heart-rending and shocking beyond words.” He added, “My thoughts are with the families of the deceased and prayers with the injured."

I’m Jonathan Evans.

Anjana Pasricha reported this story from New Delhi. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

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Words in This Story

fireworks – n. a small device that explodes to make a display of light and noise -- usually plural